Dynamic instability of microtubule growth

Nature. 1984 Nov;312(5991):237-42. doi: 10.1038/312237a0.

Abstract

We report here that microtubules in vitro coexist in growing and shrinking populations which interconvert rather infrequently. This dynamic instability is a general property of microtubules and may be fundamental in explaining cellular microtubule organization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell-Free System
  • Kinetics
  • Mice
  • Microtubules / physiology*
  • Microtubules / ultrastructure
  • Polymers
  • Protein Binding
  • Tubulin / physiology*

Substances

  • Polymers
  • Tubulin